Islamic State: England

by John Morris

  “Good work Dan, leave it with me. I think we should tell all of them, and gauge their response. I’ll speak to the Commander at Leeds first, the Chief Constable, and the others in turn. You are certain about this?”

  “Yes Ma’am. There are further details about this threat, and others immanent, on the way to you. You have the live feed?”

  “Connecting now. Ciao.”

  Dan activated two large drones from Sheffield, the nearest to target, and set them on a straight course for Leeds city centre.

  He was completing his interim reports for the Director, when Karen left to use the toilet. Percy came in moments later, “Hi Dan, Ma’am thanks for the call, that sister is driving me crazy. I think I need a fishing hut down by the river. What do you need me to do?”

  “How good are you with drones?”

  “Well, I’m okay with the big ones, and also the little one that detaches. But I need to do them one drone at a time though.”

  “Good enough. I have two Sheffield drones airborne, and need you to land them in Leeds city centre. Find a large mall in the city centre, and set them one to each side.”

  Veronica said, “They’re on Boar Lane. The largest shopping centre is Trinity.”

  Percy said, “Adjusting now, yes, drones are close. Dan, I need a city streets overlay map.”

  Dan said, “Press Control, Alt, and M together.”

  Veronica said, “They just went underground from Commercial Street, they have a floor underneath.”

  Percy said, “Almost with you. Large drone parked on the outside, light drone released, following inside. Ooh, the car stopped just inside the ramp. The two girls got out, and the woman is following one of them. You want me to follow them, or the car?”

  “Follow the car Percy, I’ll pick up on the others with the other drone set. Well done.”

  The vehicle drove to a central point, a concrete pillar beneath the building, and the driver got out, locking the car with a bleep and flash of lights. He took a suitcase out of the boot, and walked east, before being challenged by security. He shot both guards dead, and walked on.

  Dan called the Director at once. “Confirmed Ma’am, this is a terrorist strike. Who have we got on the ground?”

  “No one except the local beat bobbies. It’s the weekend. There are football matches, plus a protest march, so nobody is available. I have already notified the Home Office. How long till the shit hits the fan up there?”

  “Five, maybe ten minutes, and I’m expecting the strike to be in waves, Ma’am. Take out first responders and so forth. I think there are others we have not discovered yet. Sorry, have to go … Damn, Saint Trinity Church. Call them and tell them to evacuate, our man is heading there with a large suitcase. Ask somebody to break a fire alarm. We need people out of there pronto. Out”

  Karen left for the bathroom again, and Percy needed something from his car. He returned a few minutes later, followed shortly by Karen. Eyes turned to look at her. “Sorry, nervous stomach, I couldn’t eat breakfast. I think I need to eat something.

  Felicity took her to the kitchen, where they hastily assembled a tray of snacks and drinks. They returned just in time to witness the outcome.

  The Boko Haram girls had left bombs on timers in many shops, and when the public evacuation was at its peak, blew themselves up at the main exits, taking hundreds of lives with them.

  A little later, the car bomb took out the main support pillar. Floors above descended. The building collapsed from the inside out. The destruction accounted for the lives of many survivors of the first blast, and emergency responders.

  Meanwhile, the Church had been bombed, and any inside were shot dead. Before setting off the bomb, the terrorist had beheaded the Priest. He then poured petrol around to increase fire damage, and left by the front door. Security lost him going into another shopping complex. They continued searching, but Dan saw it as a distraction from their work.

  After the incident, Felicity ran Karen through what they had discovered, showing short clips as required, and the new girl became extremely worried. “Can’t you just take them out?”

  Dan overheard, and answered. “That is the next stage, which is quickly approaching. Before showing our hand, we need to learn everything about their operation, in Europe as well as UK. These people are not stupid.”

  Later, they took dinner at the inn, and Percy spoke to Dan aside. “That Karen. You sure about her?”

  “Yes, she’s kosher. Why?”

  “Well, she’s been acting a bit strange, and before I came in, I saw her enter the bathroom. As I passed by, I heard the bleep of a modern phone’s keypad. I waited, and she was writing something long. I followed her the second time, and it was the same. No noise except the tapping of digital keys. Want me to keep an eye on her? Although it’s probably nothing, but just made me wonder.”

  “Yes Percy, thank you. But be discrete, I know you will be. There could be many reasons for her actions, most of them trivial and normal. She’s in a new place, and doesn’t know anybody, except for us. She’s riding a promotion, as station chief as well to boot. Keep this very low key, but also keep your nose to the ground.”

  After dinner they went home, and Veronica returned to work. Felicity wanted to slob in front of the TV, but Dan was insistent. “What was all that about earlier. Taking photographs of pictures? Why?”

  “Dan, don’t. I’m not sure yet.”

  “Then why take them?”

  “You’re impossible!”

  “Give.”

  “There was one from fresher’s week, I think her second year, and she was an item with a boy. I think I know who he is, the Chief Constable’s son.”

  “Ouch! Have you checked it out?”

  “No, not yet. I’m not even certain, but it reminds me of the graduation photo I saw of the young man once. It was a while ago.”

  “The answer may explain the mystery, as to why her promotion application came from the Chief Constable’s Office. You should have told me sooner. I need the image, now.”

  “But Dan, it is probably nothing.”

  “I know you well. Yes it is. Send it to me.”

  Once received Dan called Veronica. “I need the male in this image identified. I have clues if you need them.”

  “Not necessary Dan, how urgent?”

  “Now would be good.”

  “Check running … His name is Wilfred Mainwaring, nickname ‘Wild Will’. Her name is Karen Wheeler, more coming … it seems they were an item at Ruskin, for the last two years at least. That’s it, except that this Karen in now the local chief of police. But you already know that, don’t you. She was here today.”

  “Yes. But I needed independent corroboration. Thank you. It’s time you finished for the night.”

  “Yes, just one more thing, and I’m done. Wild Will is the son of the Chief Constable of Norfolk.”

  “Thanks.” Dan cut the call, and said, “You heard that on speaker?”

  “Yes, the all of it. It explains why Karen got the seal of approval from the Big Chief, presuming she kept in good relations with the family. I’ve no problem there. What about her request in the first place? Why would anyone want to come here? There’s more to this.”

  “When we were upstairs, Karen mentioned doing a Masters at Ruskin. I’ll ask Veronica to follow up.”

  “No Dan. This one’s mine, I just have a feeling about it, okay?”

  “Just one day. Let her pull any links so you know where to focus. In the meantime, I’ll make a pot of coffee, and then I must get to work.”

  That evening, Dan outlined a profile of Karen Wheeler, and compiled several reports, one concerning the strike on Leeds.

  In summary, he made critical remarks about the lack of any tangible support, as even the fire alarm was triggered a long time after he requested it. MI5 had responded with two agents, and one of them broke the fire-glass. But they were in no position to affect the outcome to any great extent. The NCA and MET never appeared, blaming Dan fo
r lack of prior warning.

  This led to Dan writing a second report, condemning the fact they had no resources to respond to future threats. He offered suggestions, one being a tie in to the military. That was the response they needed, a platoon or two of SAS, ordinary troops for that matter, soldiers on the ground, taking appropriate action, in liaison with Dan’s unit.

  Dan had just begun a third report when Felicity came in, bringing him a coffee. “Care to share?”

  “I’m hoping to get these off to my Director this evening, a present for her morning. You want to run your eyes over what I’ve done so far, I’ll print-off?”

  “Sure, it’ll keep me in the loop as well. You have mentioned about taking the airfields?”

  “No, not yet, that’s what this report is about. I think we need to carry on like this for another week or so, as new discoveries are being made daily, especially regards their overall objective, or plan A. But Karen was correct, we do need to take these airfields out sooner rather than later. When we do, I intend to capture as many of their planes as possible. Leaders and personnel also. Put a big dent in their operation.

  “Felicity. Sweetheart, no need to run the checks on Karen for her Masters. Veronica found something that worries the shit out of me.”

  “I got nothing. Gimme.”

  “The Masters degree she took was a two year course. It was one of the few that put people in jobs. Her closest friend was Benaris Khan.”

  “What? The same Benaris Khan, as in Inspector at Wymondham police station.”

  “One and the same. I have photographs of them together, outside school. They appeared to be overly friendly.”

  “So that’s why she requested the promotion here, the real reason.”

  “It looks that way. I think they had something going on, and it may, or may not have been physical attraction.”

  “More like mental subversion to the cause of Islam. I’m on this Dan. Thanks to you, and Veronica. At last, I have something to get my teeth into. Now is the time for you to butt out, and let me take this from here.”

  “Deal. Do I get a kiss for that?”

  “No, a kick in the balls. Except, follow me upstairs.”

  The next morning they were snuggling awake when Dan’s mobile rang. “Yes, Director.”

  “Dan, this latest ball dropped by the MET and NCA is most worrying. I am about to create hell, all the way to the top if needs be. I may need you here today, or on Monday morning. Prepare a full analysis.”

  “Yes Ma’am. So many innocent lives could have been saved, if only there were a dedicated response team in place. These attacks are becoming frequent, every other day. Now we have a handle on when some may occur, and can track them, we need to react quickly.

  “I noted your point about taking over the Muslim controlled airfields, and this is a high priority, but not this week. If this Sinjun fellow is the business, ask him about attacking the bases. We need prisoners, information.

  “Now, I need a file, the video of the bombers leaving their base, and I know you now have a direct link with the office. That was naughty of you Dan, but I caught Tim when he returned, and made him tell. I may turn a blind eye, or maybe not. You’d better be on your best behaviour.”

  “Ma’am. I’ll send the file now, anything else you need?”

  “No. I should discipline you, but you are the only agent I have that’s coming up with the goods. Damn you.”

  “Ma’am, always a pleasure.”

  Dan gave Felicity a kiss and headed for his office in his dressing gown and slippers. He found her in the kitchen ten minutes later, a pot of coffee percolating, and bacon and eggs in the frying pan. He tried to canoodle her back to bed, but the moment was passed.

  There were no builders, it being Sunday, so they set about home-making. Evening came quickly, and they dined simply, and tarried before bedtime. The coming week would be hard on both of them.

  Seemingly abstract, Dan said, “I love you.”

  Felicity was reading a magazine, but looked up sharply.

  “I know that, now. I didn’t yesterday morning.”

  “I think we should go to bed.”

  “Are you suggesting you want to make love to me, or make love with me?”

  “We don’t have to do it you know, but I missed out last night, and this morning.”

  “Men! You didn’t answer my question.”

  “’With’, of course.”

  “Better. I’ll go up now and have a bath. Join me when your drink is done, and if I’m still awake, we’ll see what happens.”

  Monday came with a rush, Felicity engaged with handing over her old domain cleanly to Karen, whilst Dan was gripped within the intrigues of responding physically to the Muslim threat.

  Karen had asked for a moment of the Chief’s time, and brought a folder to the desk as they sat down to share. Felicity glanced at the title, upside down: ‘Wymondham’. Immediately, Felicity’s phone rang, and she was called away as prime officer to oversee a serious incident in Norwich. She departed within moments.

  Dan was by then, already headed back to London headquarters regards policy decisions, and the strike back at ISIL on British soil.

  The Director and he had rehearsed their respective roles before each of several meeting, the last one just below Cabinet level. Dan played his part admirably, was intense, with precise oration, accompanied by relevant facts.

  The Director was pleased when they finished, but Dan was not. “We still haven’t seen the people in charge, and our instant response team will linger under the thrall of snail-paced bureaucracy.”

  “What do you suggest?”

  “Going to the top. Regards the United Kingdom, Her Majesty the Queen is the head of the Armed Forces, but in name only. The most senior officer is the Chief of Defence Staff, currently Marshal of the Air Force, Sir Jack McBridle. I may be able to get to see him.”

  “It’s worth a try Dan. We have nothing to lose, as long as you keep this confidential, which I know you will. Anything else?”

  “Yes, we are now facing a tangible threat, and need to respond with full force. Our problem is action by the right people. The military. The handles of power regards the armed services are a bit muddy. The Prime Minister and Defence Minister are actually in charge. We need to see the latter.”

  “Good point. I’ll see if I can arrange a meeting. No promises, but we have to try, at least get the word out, worry people in power. You’re here tonight I understand. Dine with me. There are some people I would like you to meet.

  “Now, please hone your plans for the scenarios we discussed earlier, and cover the objections we heard today. Come to my office for seven-thirty, and we’ll go in my car.”

  Chapter 34 ~ Ayesha’s Escape

  Ayesha stood at the sink in Rosie’s kitchen, and thought back over the last few months. The old woman had helped her tremendously, finding her a room, and a job nearby with a seamstress, Joyce Smallwood. She had been learning the trade, practicing evenings, and in spare moments between other tasks.

  The girl glanced at the sewing she had set aside while she prepared Sunday lunch. After tasting the lamb dish, she adjusted the seasoning and took up her needle, as the meal slowly cooked.

  She had settled well and quickly into her new life. The large village she lived and worked in was just west of Norwich, and was gradually becoming a commuter town. She was not rich, but was able to pay her way, and put a little savings aside.

  Since visiting Rosie on her first Sunday off, Ayesha went round every Sunday morning, and while the old woman was at church, she cooked Sunday lunch. Both were grateful for the meal, Rosie for the company, and Ayesha relished a full stomach, and the safety.

  On Monday, Joyce asked Ayesha to run some errands at lunchtime. The trade supplier was late, again, and they desperately needed thread for a rush order. A book of modern wedding dress patterns had also arrived for collection.

  There was a short list of other things, as she would have to travel to the ne
arby shopping centre. This was a regular Monday occurrence, and Ayesha looked forward to the adventure. She bought the supplies for work first, the shop being the farthest away from the entrance, and stopped at the supermarket to buy things on the list. She bought herself some treats as well, keeping the bills separate.

  She had looked round a couple of times, feeling she was being followed, but there was never anybody there. She even looked at reflections in stainless steel surfaces, but no one was watching. Her mind was playing tricks on her.

  She left the store and was headed for her final destination, a delicatessen Joyce liked, when she heard the voice of her cousin. She dashed into the nearest shop, quickly hiding herself from view.

  She watched him walk past. He had three others with him, and she knew those men were enforcers. She realised they were hunting for her. She also knew she must complete her duty. So checking they were out of sight, hurried to the delicatessen, and placed her order. She paid, and was soon making for the main exit, and freedom.

  She got outside and glanced furtively around. Two Pakistani men were leaning on a barrier, chatting. One looked up and their eyes met. He said something to the other, and started to chase after Ayesha. The other made a phone call, before joining the pursuit.

  Not knowing where to run for safety, she saw two security guards, and ran full pelt towards them, shouting to get their attention. They turned to look at her, noticing a burly man closing on her, and went to her assistance.

  Ayesha blurted out, “They are going to kill me. I ran away from a forced marriage, and they will execute me. Please. Do something. Help me.”

  The guards reacted at once, standing between her and the man. As one of them called for support, the other put his hand out to stop the man, and ask him his business. The Muslim thug advanced on the security guards with menace. Ayesha ran for her life.

  The guards soon had the brute in a wristlock. However, his accomplice joined them, and the other guard had his work cut out to try to make an arrest.